What caused Springfield oxygen tank explosion? Man killed in blast that could be heard blocks away

Springfield Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi confirmed that a man was handling an oxygen tank when it sparked and exploded

UPDATED JUN 23, 2021

(Image used for representation: Photo by Alex Kent/Getty Images)

One person was reportedly killed in a massive tank explosion in Springfield, Massachusetts, on the morning of June 22. The incident occurred in the Six Corners neighborhood after the oxygen tank exploded, reports say. An investigation into the fatal accident is now underway.

Several agencies, along with the cops and emergency services have flocked to the scene. The incident surfaces only weeks after a deadly 4-alarm fire broke out at the Rockton Chemical plant on the morning of June 14. In similar incidents, recently, the Monacillo power plant explosion on June 10 resulted in over 1 million customers being affected by outages. In February 2021, the Santa Clarita wildfire, which was reportedly caused by a movie set explosion left 3 people 'critically injured'. Back in March 2020, a huge fire broke out at the Coachella music festival in California.

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Springfield Police Spokesperson Ryan Walsh informed that the cops received the call about an explosion at around 10:50 am. The explosion happened right outside the Knox Mini Market and Deli at the intersection of Foster and Knox Streets The SPD Detective Bureau, Springfield Fire Department, the Arson & Bomb Squad, and the State Fire Marshal office are investigating the causes of the explosion. The details of what caused the fatal accident are not available at the moment. Springfield Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi confirmed to WWLP that a man was handling an oxygen tank when it fatally sparked and exploded. The victim reportedly died from his injuries.

Local reports say that witnesses saw a car by the body with extensive damage after hearing a terrifying 'boom'. Neighbors said they heard a loud “boom” from blocks away. According to WWLP, parts of the charred car were scattered all over the street and the bumper was completely blown off. Multiple tanks found on scene were removed and deemed to be safe. The valve from the tank that exploded, ended up a couple hundred feet away. Police have not revealed the identity of the victim yet.

Watch the video here. (Warning: Graphic Content)